Congress & the Middle East:
House Resolution Congratulating Ariel Sharon on Election
& Calling for End to Violence

(February 13, 2001)

H.Res.34

Whereas the Governments of the United States and Israel
are close allies and share a deep and abiding friendship based on a
shared commitment to democratic values; Whereas since its establishment
in 1948, Israel has fulfilled the dreams of its founders, who envisioned
a vigorous, open, and stable democracy; Whereas the centerpiece of Israeli
democracy is its system of competitive, free, and open elections; Whereas
on February 6, 2001, the people of Israel elected Ariel Sharon as Prime
Minister of Israel; and Whereas the election on February 6, 2001, is
the most recent example of the commitment of Israel to the democratic
ideals of freedom and pluralism, ideals that Israel shares with the
United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the House of Representatives--

(1) congratulates Ariel Sharon on his election as
Prime Minister, and extends to him the best wishes of the people of
the United States;

(2) commends the people of Israel for reaffirming,
through the ir participation in the election on February 6, 2001,
their dedication to democratic ideals;

(3) urges Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman
Yasser Arafat to use his influence and resources to see that violence
in the Middle East is brought to an end;

(4) calls upon the countries that neighbor Israel
and upon the international community to respect the freely expressed
will of the people of Israel and to be prepared to engage in constructive
relations with the new Government of Israel;

(5) reaffirms the close bonds of friendship that
have bound the people of the United States and the people of Israel
together through turbulent times for more than half a century; and

(6) restates the commitment of the United States
to a secure peace for Israel.